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Dec. 5, 2007

During the recent early signing period, the Siena baseball team inked six student athletes to National Letters of Intent. The Saints added five pitchers and a positional player who may also see action on the mound.

"This group of incoming freshmen is a credit to the entire coaching staff," head coach Tony Rossi said. "We have addressed important needs for the long and short term by bringing in some outstanding pitchers to replace a large group of quality seniors. These six student athletes will enhance the future of the program."

Charles "CJ" Sohl is a 6-5 senior at Guilderland High School. He posted a 5-1 record with a 3.10 ERA in 36 innings of work with 43 strikeouts this summer as a member of the Adirondack Team in the Empire State Games. Sohl was an All-Area selection as a junior at Guilderland. He competed this past fall for the renowned South Troy Dodgers, and played in the Perfect Game Championships in Jupiter, Fla. Sohl equips a mid-80's fastball and an outstanding curveball.

"CJ was one of the top pitchers on a strong Guilderland team that won the Section II championship and went on to the New York State High School finals during the 2007 season," Rossi noted. "He has a very high ceiling, and should be a major contributor immediately."

Dan Paolini stands 6-foot and was an All-League and All-State selection after batting .400 as a junior at Bunnell High School in Stratford, Conn. He participated in the New England Underclassmen Perfect Games and was named to the Top Prospect Team. This past summer, Paolini batted .385 with eight home runs.

"Dan is one of the top hitters in Southern Connecticut," Rossi commented. "He's an aggressive player who will have an opportunity to compete for the starting second base position, and with an upper 80's fast ball and a sharp curveball should be an immediate help on the pitching staff. He will be a great addition to the squad."

Brandon Curson is a 6-3, 205-pound two-way threat from Woodstock, Ga. Curson was named Cherokee County Pitcher of the Year as a junior last season after posting a 6-2 record with a 1.11 earned run average and 55 strikeouts in 44 innings on the hill. He also batted .359 with seven home runs and 26 RBI in 25 games played.

"Brandon comes from a talent rich suburb of Atlanta where he was the top pitcher on his high school team, and the top pitcher in Cherokee County," Rossi remarked. "He possesses an upper-80's fastball, outstanding curveball and changeup, and should command playing time immediately. He was also the best power hitter on his team, so he will have an opportunity to compete for playing time offensively as well."

Ryan Poplawski, a 6-2 southpaw from Syracuse, is an All League selection and two-time Section III MVP. He compiled a 4-1 record at Bishop Ludden High School as a junior last year with 48 strikeouts and a 1.79 ERA in 37 innings of work. This past summer he posted a 4-0 record in just over 33 innings and participated in the Empire State Games for the Central New York team. In the recently completed fall season he went 6-1 with 45 strikeouts and a 1.09 ERA in 45 innings pitched.

"Ryan is one of the top left handed pitchers in Central New York," Rossi said. "He has a very good upside and should give us valuable innings immediately. He played for the strong Syracuse Sportszone Chiefs during the summer, and was one of their top pitchers. He will be a pleasant addition to the pitching staff."

Nicco Stento is a 6-1 left handed pitcher from Binghamton. He went 2-1 with a 0.68 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 20.2 innings of work as a junior at Binghamton High School. This past summer he was 4-3 in 46 innings allowing 26 hits, and striking out 49 with a 3.45 ERA.

"Nicco is a stylish lefty who has the ability to come right in and earn quality innings from the start," Rossi said. "He had a very good junior season, allowing only two earned runs in 20-plus innings. He is an outstanding student and has the athletic ability to progress rapidly through the program."

Don Pendleton, a 6-1 right hander from Chenango Valley High School in Binghamton rounds out the class. Pendleton pitched 42.2 innings as a junior posting a 6-2 record and a 2.89 ERA with 56 strikeouts. He was a First Team All-Conference selection and Third Team All-State pick.

"Dan throws three pitches effectively and has outstanding command," Rossi added. "He was rated very highly during the Perfect Game Showcases where he was named to the Top Prospect Team. He participated in the Perfect Game National Tournament in Atlanta and is one of the top pitchers in the Binghamton area."

Overall, Rossi was more than satisfied with the signings.

"We try to address significant needs with each recruiting class, but our general philosophy is to go out and attract the best athletes possible for our program." Rossi said. "We are always looking for the top arms available, and this group achieves that goal. Recruiting coordinator and pitching coach Clint McAuley did a great job with this class."